Ministry of Home Affairs
Goa Foundation Day Celebrated with Enthusiasm in Punjab Raj Bhawan
Punjab Governor honors wife of Karnail Singh Benipal, the Punjabi youth who laid down his life for Liberation of Goa
Mahadevkar Madhukar Sadashiv, the participant in the Liberation Movement of Goa also felicitated
The spirit of Goa came alive in the Chandigarh as the vibrant celebration of 36th Goa Foundation Day took place with great enthusiasm at the Punjab Raj Bhawan. The event, which commemorates the formation of the state of Goa, witnessed a grand gathering of dignitaries, government officials, and esteemed guests, who joined together to honor the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
The Goa Foundation Day celebration was organized by the Punjab Raj Bhawan in collaboration with the Goan community residing in Punjab and Chandigarh. The event aimed to strengthen the bonds between people of Goa and Punjab/Chandigarh and to celebrate the unity and diversity of India.
The melody of traditional Goan music resonated throughout the Raj Bhawan as local artists presented captivating performances, showcasing the diverse folk dances, music, and costumes of Goa. The cultural extravaganza featured mesmerizing Goan dance forms like the Dekhni, Kunbi, and Lamp dance, which captivated the audience with their graceful movements and colorful attire. A short film on the history of Goa was also screened.
Speaking at the event, Shri Banwari Lal Purohit ,the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator of UT Chandigarh emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity and fostering cultural exchanges between different states of India. “As we celebrate Goa Foundation Day, it is imperative that we recognize the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural diversity and heritage of our states. Our nation's strength lies in its unity, where each state contributes to the rich tapestry of our collective identity”, said he.
Expressing his admiration for Goa, its vibrant culture and the Goan hospitality, the Governor said that, like the people of Punjab, “Hospitality is not just a word for the people of Goa – it is their tradition.” It is the smallest state in the country but is a captivating tourist destination. It is so popular among tourists from all over the world that the number of tourists coming to Goa is often more than the population of the state.
On the occasion of Goa Foundation Day, the Governor also paid heartfelt tributes to the 31 satyagrahis who sacrificed their lives in the Satyagraha of Goa Mukti Vimochan Samiti. Karnail Singh Benipal, the brave son from village Isru in Ludhiana who was one of those people who wanted independence of Goa from Portuguese rule after India's independence and laid his life for the cause, his wife Bibi Charanjit Kaur, was honoured by the Governor. Mahadevkar Madhukar Sadashiv, the participant in the Liberation Movement of Goa was also felicitated.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks to all the organizers, participants, and attendees who made the celebration a resounding success. The Goa Foundation Day celebrations in Punjab Raj Bhawan will be remembered as a vibrant testament to the spirit of Goa and the unity of the Indian nation.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Jai Krishan Singh, Deputy Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Anup Gupta, Mayor, Chandigarh, Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India and Mr. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator, UT, Chandigarh.